Transom replacement: I'm looking at a 20' fiberglass mako center console and he says it needs a new transom. Has anyone done one? I've done it for an aluminum hull starcraft that had a...

Mgiven Loc: Michigan

I'm looking at a 20' fiberglass mako center console and he says it needs a new transom. Has anyone done one? I've done it for an aluminum hull starcraft that had a pocket that the transom slid down into. I'm curious if it is the same for fiberglass boats? I don't have any good pictures yet

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

My personal opinion but I would pass on buying a boat that I need to replace the transom. You've never done this before! That is a major job and one that is not for amateurs only. There are too many other boats out there that are sound and available..I would reommend waiting and finding one in better condition. Just Sayin...RJS

Fishandrods Loc: Alpine Ca foothills of San Diego

Mgiven wrote:

I'm looking at a 17' fiberglass mako center console and he says it needs a new transom. Has anyone done one? I've done it for an aluminum hull starcraft that had a pocket that the transom slid down into. I'm curious if it is the same for fiberglass boats? I don't have any good pictures yet

I got an estimate on a 15 ft Skeeter I had in the 90s and early 2000s and it was very expensive to replace it. So I got 2 pieces of 1/4 inch aluminum plate as wide as what would fit on both sides of the transom and used 3M marine glue and 1/4 inch stainless steel bolts and it worked for me and never heard from the guy I sold it to. I used it for a few years after fixing.

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

Mgiven wrote:

I'm looking at a 17' fiberglass mako center console and he says it needs a new transom. Has anyone done one? I've done it for an aluminum hull starcraft that had a pocket that the transom slid down into. I'm curious if it is the same for fiberglass boats? I don't have any good pictures yet

It is doable but you need to find a good fiberglass person. That must be an older boat that has a wooden transom. New ones are made of a composite material. Check around before you buy it to see if the price for the repairs and boat are worth it. I use to build boats and know what's involved.

Mgiven Loc: Michigan

The one I did for the aluminum hull boat was 2, 3/4" plywood glued up and laminated before I installed it. This thing is 1500 on a dual axle trailer is why I m so tempted lol.

Mgiven Loc: Michigan

Sent me this picture

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Mgiven wrote:

I'm looking at a 20' fiberglass mako center console and he says it needs a new transom. Has anyone done one? I've done it for an aluminum hull starcraft that had a pocket that the transom slid down into. I'm curious if it is the same for fiberglass boats? I don't have any good pictures yet

Its a big job Mgiven, especially if you're not experienced working with fiberglass. There's a lot of cutting, grinding and laminating involved. Look it up on YouTube, and see all that's involved before you pull the trigger. I'd pass, if it was me.

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

Mgiven wrote:

I'm looking at a 20' fiberglass mako center console and he says it needs a new transom. Has anyone done one? I've done it for an aluminum hull starcraft that had a pocket that the transom slid down into. I'm curious if it is the same for fiberglass boats? I don't have any good pictures yet

Hey MG. You need to talk to Danger. He just went through HELL with a used Mako.

drifter023 Loc: So,Calif.

Mgiven wrote:

Sent me this picture

If transom bad probably floor deck is also bad means tearing up and replace.
Sound like you haven’t actually seen the boat yet only picture’s.

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Mgiven wrote:

I'm looking at a 17' fiberglass mako center console and he says it needs a new transom. Has anyone done one? I've done it for an aluminum hull starcraft that had a pocket that the transom slid down into. I'm curious if it is the same for fiberglass boats? I don't have any good pictures yet

Good luck with that project Mgiven. 👍

Mgiven Loc: Michigan

Looking like I'll pass. Doesn't look like an easier project like the aluminum hull I did. I can work with metal and wood no problem but fiberglass is new to me. Watched a couple videos and I m not geared up for it. Like Mr drifter says if transom is bad the rest is probably same condition.
Thanks for the advice

Ivey Loc: South Central Tennessee, Tim's Ford Lake

Lot of work and if you're not experienced it can be pretty hard. Pull the cap, top half of the boat just to get down to where the work starts. If the transom is bad so are the stringers in most cases. That involves cutting them out and replacing, You're basically rebuilding the boat. probably cheeper to find another boat, personally I'd pass.

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Wise choice: Just Sayin...RJS

Bigmark Loc: Lower Alabama

Sounds like a deep project. If the transom rotted out most likely the main stringers are rotten as well. Before you decide to purchase it get naked, go out in the freezing cold get your wife/partner to squirt you with a garden hose, beat you with a boat paddle and then you will know what you are getting into. Past experience with a Formula.

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

For $1500 ? I would so jump on that if it were close to me ! The trailer is worth more than that.
But then, I have a small amount of fibreglass experience and have spent the past 40+ years building custom furniture.... looks like a great winter project, to me.
I may also be the ultimate bargain hunter when it comes to boats and do love a challenge to my skills and vision of the end result.
Not "normal fix it work" for most folks, but I take much pride in never, ever being "normal".... hehehe